Backyard Ultra - what is it?
Backyard Ultra is a running competition format where after each full-hour new start, participants have to run 6.7 km. The remaining time before the new start can be used for rest. The competition will last as long as there is only one participant left. According to the rules, only the winner is considered the finisher of the competition, the rest are all DNF.
The format is created by Gary "Lazarus Lake" Cantrell, who has since 2012 every year held a competition called 'Big's Backyard Ultra' at his home in Tennessee, USA
The Backyard Ultra world record is 101 laps (677.26 km) It was achieved by Belgian runners Merijn Geerts and Ivo Steyaert at the 2022 Backyard Ultra World Team Championships.
The Estonian record of 55 laps, i.e. 368.83 km, belongs to Hannes Veide, who performed this result in 2021 "Heavy Metal Ultra"
Heavy Metal Ultra
Heavy Metal Ultra is the only Backyard Ultra in the Baltics. It has been taking place in Keila, Estonia since 2019. What makes it special is that every start is gived with heavy metal song. It's like a mix of a running competition and a rock concert. The playlist is assembled by the participants themselves from the wish songs asked for at the registration. As the participants spend a lot of time together, both when running and between loops, this creates a special atmosphere for the competition. Those who are just starting out running longer distances and do not claim to be winners will find a challenge either by running their longest distance or, for example, by completing seven laps, because everyone who has completed at least seven laps will receive a special medal.
Marathon100 Prizes:
2019 – Best new running competition.
2019 – Second place in the category of small running competitions.
2020 – Second place in the category of small running competitions.
2020 – Heavy Metal Ultra Christmas Special. The best running competition in Estonia in the category of small running competitions
2020 – Heavy Metal Ultra Christmas Special. The best new running competition in Estonia.
2021 – The best running competition in Estonia in the category of small running competitions
2022 – The best running competition in Estonia in the category of small running competitions